Fit Alloy Instrument Dial Rings

So I fitted some alloy rings to my clocks tonight. Took about 15 mins. You can buy alloy instrument rings from several places including the MGF Centre:
http://www.mgfcentre.com/store/interior-accessories/64/speedo-clock-rings.html

Or eBay
http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Car-Tuning-Styling-/14761/i.html?_ipg=&_from=&_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ssn=emohawk11&_dmpt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&Make=MG

Here's how:

I started off taking screws out of the binnacle.

There is 4 screws that hold the binnacle cover on, two at the top and two at the bottom. Then slide the binnacle away out of the way, there is no reason to remove any of the wires to the mirror adjuster or dial light setting. A useful guide on what to take out is here on David's plasma dial how to http://www.the-t-bar.com/en/forum/21-david-aiketgates-guides/22881-plama-dials-how-to-fit.

BUT.... You don't need to take all the speedo out but just the clear casing. So four screws out that hold the speedo in. Then wiggle and some magic needed, you can slide the speedo out of the way and slide it out until you see the bolts you need to take off.

This is held on by two big screws and some metal things, take these out of the way. Some pointers are in Craigs illumination improvement guide here: http://www.the-t-bar.com/en/forum/54-how-tos/79517-improving-instrument-display-illumination#79517

So here we go with the how to:
Take these screws out

Then you can split the instrument panel plastic away there is 4 tabs, just press them and they come apart. Now you should be able to remove the thing you need away from the speedo.



So now admire your rings



And get out your tools



So lets have a look at the rings again. The side ones just "pop" in no sealant required.



So put the side bits in just wiggle them in then push them in from the other side



Now the two big centre rings need a bit of help with some clear sealant. Don't go mad with it, just a little bit is needed as they fit OK but not as tight as the side bits. Study the pic it shows the steps needed to put the rings in.



Its probably a good idea to polish both sides of the speedo plastic while its out as otherwise some mucky finger prints will drive you insane.

And then put all the screws back in. I'll do a pic when the speedo is back in. More to follow tomorrow.

:beer:

Ben, there's a good chance you'll need to file out the inner arc (straight side) of both the temperature and fuel gauge rings around the mid section prior to installation .... :whistle:

If you don't you'll discover the rings foul the needle movement by impeding the tail end .... leaving you with a permanent half full fuel tank, and a mid range temperature engine ... .... even with the ignition off ... :dry: :lol:

Oooops Well I'll let you know if that happens with more "filing" action cheers for the pointer.

\Interested in why you chose to fit them inside out ?

It's only fractions of a millimetre that need removed from the mid point.

I used a tiny round file for mine and managed it in a few strokes ..... :dry: .... er minutes? :lol:

paulsmgf wrote: \Interested in why you chose to fit them inside out ?

Oh dear.... Well a slight adjustment is needed then... hahahha

paulsmgf wrote: \Interested in why you chose to fit them inside out ?

sshh!

I wasn't going to mention that 'til he'd finished. :lol:

Hmm, as Paul spotted, you appear to have the rings in the wrong way around. The thick(flat) part is designed to be at the back of the holes... :dry:


I know it's possible to have them that way around but I think it needs a bit more fettling to get the small needles to work. :shrug:

It was to attract conversation of course. I'm just err.. Undoing some bits n pieces now. Adjustments are being made

:whistle:

:slapme:


I seriously thought that you'd simply chosen to be different from the herd Ben. ..... I was going to compliment your innovation! :lol: :lol:

No I'm a sheep baaaaaa!